Wednesday, August 20, 2008

HIGH SIERRA: DAYPACKS FOR S/S’09 FUNCTIONABLE AND ON-TREND!

ACCLAIMED SPORT COMPANY TAKES A BIG STEP FORWARD WITH SLEEK HAULERS READY FOR NIGHT’S OUT AND DAY TRAILS

Words, Images Judith Ecochard and Courtesy of High Sierra Sport Company

Outdoor Retailer Tradeshow, SLC-August 8th

We have been big fans of High Sierra-a 30 year old, privately owned firm that makes several lines of technically correct, and now decidedly stylish backpacks, travel/yoga/ski/hydration bags etc.

In fact, we have one of their ultra durable snowboard bags that has managed to survive various airline baggage excursions (assaults) unlike every other carryall we’ve ever owned.

We stopped at the High Sierra booth at OR, figuring a quick pit-stop review. We ended up having a lengthy sit-down with the smart (helpful) Stella Peterson and talented product designer Pierre Pactanac- because we were so bowled over by the hot new designs set to launch next Spring.

Straight away- we Admired the “Wilder” daypack’s colorful screen printed daisy pattern. Plus, we were not only amazed at the price (MSRP$39.99) but wowed by the inner pockets galore that could securely carry all electric gadgets, including a padded laptop folder.

Outer zipped accessory pockets allow for easy stash/retrieve activities, eliminating the archeological digs that we usually endure in search of our Metrocard.HUTCH AND BAXTER

Other fresh graphics/colors on packs set for March/April ’09 deliveries-and we quote liberally from the press release because there is SO MUCH …include:

THE FATBOY:With new unique geometric patterns, this large multi-compartment pack sports an easy-access media pocket, a front panel slash pocket for grab and stash stuff, an iPod pocket with headphone port…and for all day comfort… a comfortable S-shaped contoured Vaquel™ mesh Airflow™ padded shoulder straps with a Suspension system.

A “monster” hook for attaching extra gear in front and a handy ribbed grab handle enables hipsters and hikers alike to happily haul it all.

Additional features include a large capacity zippered main compartment, an adjustable protective lid with a slash pocket, a must easy-access computer compartment that holds most 17" (screen size) notebook computers (max size: 16.5" x 11.5" x 1.8"), and a neoprene organizer panel with removable key fob. DIVAOuter multiple storage pockets, including a zippered side pocket big enough to hold a 1000ml water bottle and a specific mesh water bottle pocket holds a 1000ml bottle takes care of hydration needs. Plus a removable deluxe media pocket holds various sizes of cell phones, PDAs and MP3 players. Other notable extras are shoulder pad with media pocket attachment loop, an LED blinker loop and a reflective safety strip on the lid for improved visibility (good for bikers)-and a comfortable grab hook.MSRP: $70.00

The Diva:We can see this bag on the shoulders of chicettes everywhere. This “glam to go” has roomy, multi-compartments including a large organizer pocket, many other deluxe compartments for whatever, a key fob and MP3 player pocket with headphone port, and a side mesh pocket for a water bottle. Outside, the Diva has adjustable, contoured shoulder straps padded with VAPEL™ mesh…plus easy-access, shoulder strap media pocket that hold various sizes of cell phones, PDAs and MP3 players… and a contoured grab handle.MSRP: $35.00ELLY

The Elly: This backpack can handle books, gadgets and our makeup bag that has contains spackle we’ve had since like college- too. It’s large, multi-compartment design and MP3 player pocket with customized, zipper-stop headphone port sits snuggly with a multi-pocket organizer compartment for pens, keys, and even a cell phone.

The Ely also has an organizer compartment with a zippered mesh pocket, pen pockets and key fob; iPod pocket with customized, zipper-stop headphone port that also holds sunglasses and other necessities. An exterior gusseted side mesh pocket holds a beverage or extra gear.CURVE

Like other High Sierra heavy duty packs, there are adjustable side compression straps to secure heavy loads, S-shaped shoulder straps with the signature VAPEL™ mesh AIRFLOW™ padding…and an open mesh shoulder strap cell phone/media pocket that offers even more storage.

We usually ache when hauling heavy gear but the comfortable padded back panel and contoured grab handle should ease the weight.MSRP: $40.00

FINAL WORDS: As Pactanac noted, “…we wanted to have increased functionality and make it (daypack) visually interesting…with different textures and graphics that give it more than a flat pattern…(and) that appeals to the fashion forward.”

THAT’LL WORK.

RETAIL AVAILABILITY: Widespread-online at Amazon.com and Ebags.com and brick and mortars like MC Sports, Dicks Sporting Goods, Modell's, Macys, Kohls and Mervyns as well as local shops. For more information, please call 1 (800) 323-9590 or visit High Sierra SportMacy’s Dicks Sporting Goods, Sport Authority etc.FATBOY